Wesley Corpus

Sunday, 18. I preached, morning and afternoon, in Bingley church; but it would not near contain the congregation. Before Service I stepped into the Sunday-school, which contains two hundred and forty children, taught every Sunday by several masters, and super intended by the Curate. So, many children in one parish are restrained from open sin, and taught a little good manners, at least, as well as to read the Bible. I find these schools springing up wherever I go. Perhaps God may have a deeper end therein, than men are aware of Who knows but some of these schools may become nurseries for Christians? Tues. 20.--Though it rained all day, in the morning we had a good congregation at five. Wednesday, 21. I met the society, and found but one or two of the original members, most of them being gone to Abraham's bosom. I was a little surprised to find that only two or three of the rest had stood Aug. 1784.] JOURNAL. 285 fast in the glorious liberty. But, indeed, most of them recovered their loss four years ago. Thur. 22.--Although it rained, yet I met the congregation in the morning, and most of them were athirst for full salvation. Friday, 23. Abundance of people were present at five in the morning, and such a company of children as I have hardly seen in England. Sat. 24.--In the evening I went to Hanging-Heaton, a little village near Dewsbury. Some months since, an uncommon work of God broke out here;--the whole town was in a flame. There are now about two hundred in the society, and very few that do not know God. I was obliged to preach abroad, by the multitude that flocked together; and many of them found that God was there, to their unspeakable comfort. Sun. 25.-I preached to several thousands at Birstal, and to, at least, as many at Leeds. Tuesday, 27. Our Conference began; at which four of our brethren, after long debate, (in which Mr. Fletcher took much pains,) acknowledged their fault, and all that was past was forgotten. Thursday, 29, being the public Thanksgiving Day, as there was not room for usin the old church, I read Prayers, as well as preached, at our Room. I admired the whole Service for the day.